Loneliness in Gelsenkirchen: Alarming report on social isolation!

Loneliness in Gelsenkirchen: Alarming report on social isolation!

A comprehensive study in Gelsenkirchen illuminates the alarming loneliness rate among its citizens. Almost 2,400 participants were interviewed, with the results pointing out to a worrying spread of loneliness. The study shows that loneliness in urban areas is perceived as harmful to health and has comparable risks to health, such as the consumption of 15 cigarettes per day, such as Derwesten.de reported.

The younger Gelsenkircheners under the age of 30 are particularly affected, of which almost half indicate to feel moderately to strongly lonely. In contrast, only a maximum of a quarter of the 50 to 80 year olds are affected. This raises questions about social integration and the effects on different age groups. Another worrying aspect is the distribution of loneliness according to social criteria. In people with low incomes, almost 50 % stated that they feel lonely, while only 14 % of the wealthy confirms this.

growing problem after pandemic

loneliness has been an increasingly urgent social challenge since Corona pandemic. Not only young people, but also seniors and other vulnerable groups, are particularly affected. This development endangers social cohesion in the community. According to gelsenkirchen.de suffering socially disadvantaged groups, which also include people with a migration background.

The city of Gelsenkirchen is considered a pioneer in combating this problem. In 2024 she initiated a further survey on the subject of "participation, social cohesion and loneliness". 2,500 citizens took part in the survey. The findings are intended to help to better align social work on people's needs. Low -threshold offers and initiatives that promote social participation are particularly used.

offers and help in Gelsenkirchen

In order to counteract the loneliness problem, Gelsenkirchen offers a variety of help offers. These include:

• Telephone counseling: 116 123, 0800 111 0111, 0800 111 0222
• number against grief for children and adolescents: 116 111
• number against grief for parents: 0800 111 0 550
• Muslim pastoral phone: 030 443 50 98 21
• Student telephone counseling: 040 411 70 411

The city has deliberately decided to create different approaches to these offers in order to achieve as many people as possible. The commitment shows that the way out of loneliness leads primarily through more social participation and community promotion. It becomes clear that a strong social cohesion is crucial to prevent permanent exclusion from the community, according to Bundesag.de .